Call for Wales to follow England’s example and ban letting agent fees

The UK Government has already said it will ban letting agents in England from charging fees, and this week announced plans to introduce a range of measures protecting tenants from unfair practices.

Although this only applies to England as housing is devolved, Mr Cairns called on the Welsh Government to follow suit.

“Getting set up in a private tenancy can be eye-wateringly expensive,” he said.

“Not only must new tenants find thousands of pounds upfront for deposits and rent in advance – they also have to pay fees to letting agents for a range of administrative costs which can often run into the hundreds of pounds.

“This has been going on for far too long and, today, the UK Government is taking a stand by giving tenants in England more power to challenge extortionate fees and poor treatment.

“Wales must not get left behind.

“It is time that the Welsh Government followed the example being set in England and move quickly to protect tenants in Wales from unjust fees and rogue landlords.”

A consultation into banning letting agent fees in Wales closed last month. Results will be announced at a date to be confirmed.